Koraput: May 22: In the 21st Century world, the most pressing problem faced by the mother earth is extinction of species, recurring natural disasters, erratic climatic condition and depletion of natural resources. Inaugurating the seminar on “Biodiversity Conservation: Issues and Challenges” in Central University of Orissa, Vice-Chancellor of Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty said- for a better world, conservation of biodiversity is the utmost necessity and it requires peoples participation and multidisciplinary approach in solving environmental problems. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the importance of biodiversity studies and asked them to become environmental entrepreneurs.
The seminar was organized by the Department of Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Orissa, Koraput to observe the International Day of Biodiversity on 22nd May, 2018. Prof. Sharat Kumar Palita, Dean of the School welcomed the guests and presented the Theme Paper. He highlighted the importance of biodiversity conservation and challenges faced by it.
Dr. M. Madhu, Director ICAR Soil and Water Research Institute, Sunabeda and Chief Guest-cum-Chief speaker spoke on the importance of soil and water conservation for conserving biodiversity. He statistically explained the root cause of the loss of nutrients in soils and the negative impacts of soil erosion. He gave thrust on the basic factors for the loss in biodiversity in terms of agriculture, forestry and the impact of shifting cultivation on forest resource conservation.
Mr. P.K. Mallick, IFS, Regional Chief Conservator of Forest (RCCF), Koraput and Guest of Honour of the Seminar spoke on importance of diverse wild flora and its vanishing trend in the modern times. He also emphasized on the study of natural forest areas, its natural resources and to make nature the living laboratory for the students of biodiversity.
A biodiversity documentary film “Koraput: The Rooted Paradise” prepared by research scholars was displayed on the occasion. Dignitaries inauguarated a “Biodiversity Photo Exhibition” and Second issue of Wall Magazine “Biome”.
Dr. Debabrata Panda, Asst. Professor gave vote of thanks and the arrangements for the meeting was managed by Dr. Kakoli. Banerjee, Asst Prof. and Ms. Swati Sakamabari Mishra acted as Anchor.
